The Indian ocean archipelago the Seychelles has reviewed its entry requirements to be more accessible for potential visitors as part of the restart of its tourism activities for 2021 and beyond. The new measures are to be implemented in two phases. The news was announced by the minister for foreign affairs and tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, during a joint press brief with his counterpart from the Health Ministry, Peggy Vidot, last week.

The review follows the recent launch of the immunization campaign in the island nation. The campaign expected to have just under three-quarters of the local adult population vaccinated by mid-March 2021.

Here’s what travelers need to know:

Vaccinated Visitors

To be recognized as “vaccinated,” visitors must be able to show that they have taken the complete dose of the vaccine i.e., two doses plus two weeks after the second dose for the four vaccines currently receiving heavy media exposure. Visitors need to submit an authentic certificate from their national health authority as proof of COVID-19 vaccination alongside a negative COVID-19 PCR certificate, obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel.

Non-Vaccinated Visitors

All visitors currently permitted entry (Category 1 and 2, private jet passengers) will now need to show a negative PCR test obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel.  Prior to January 14, Category 2 had required a test less than 48 hours.

Note that visitors who are neither vaccinated nor coming from a Category 1 or 2 country or traveling by private jet are still unable to enter. This will be in force until mid-March once Seychelles has vaccinated a large majority of its adult population.

Mid-March Onwards

Once the majority of the adult population in Seychelles is vaccinated, the country will open up to all visitors, vaccinated or not. At that point, visitors will only need a negative PCR obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel.

Irrespective of the above, visitors are to abide to the existing health measures (e.g., wearing of face masks, social distancing, etc.), which remain applicable as per the travel advisory published on the Department of Tourism website. Similarly, all tourism operators will still be required to follow their existing COVID-19 standard operating procedure and protocol.

For more information, visit http://tourism.gov.sc.

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